Nelson Reservoir

Nelson Reservoir is located just 19 miles Northeast of Malta, Montana and 10 miles West of Saco.  It is 4,320 acres of fishing heaven, but is often overlooked due to its close proximity to famous Fort Peck Reservoir.  Nelson was created in 1915 and later enlarged in 1922.  It was created by damning the Milk River.  It functions as a large irrigation storage reservoir for the lower stretches of the Milk River; which happens to flow eastward along Montana's Hi-Line.  It is also commonly referred to as “the mosquito capital of the world”.  In short, if you are planning a summer trip up to Nelson, make sure you pack plenty of bug spray.  Sleeping Buffalo, a hot springs resort, is located just a short drive from the shore and offers visitors food, lodging, and other entertainment.  High quality boat ramps and a flat terrain surround the lake providing easy access for the boat or shore angler.  

The Channel Catfish is just one of the many trophy size fish lurking within these waters.  The Channel Cats in Nelson Reservoir had lived in relative obscurity for decades, however, after the turn of the century reports began to surface about the huge Cats swimming within the waters of this Northern Montana gem.  In 2005, a cat weighing in at over 25 pounds was hauled out of here and the excitement officially began!  One year later, a new state record Channel Cat was caught by Jim Jones and Eli Waters and it tipped the scales at an unbelievable 29.71 lbs., crushing the old state record by over 2.5 pounds.  The record held up for three years, before it was broken in the spring of 2009. 

Nelson has five current state-record fish to its credit, including the Common Carp, Largemouth Buffalo, Smallmouth Buffalo, Goldeye, and the White Sucker.  Nelson has also held previous state records for Channel Catfish and the Northern Pike.  Given Nelson’s reputation of growing very large fish of all species at an alarming rate you can see why this body of water has quickly become a bulls-eye for all serious Catfish anglers.  It is on a very short list of waters capable of once again holding the state record.  Focus your efforts in the early spring from Mid-April to the first part of June and spend the majority of your time adjacent to the reservoir's "inlet" located near the far southwest shoreline.  

Above Information from Montana Cats Staff.